Writing an Effective Comparison/Contrast Essay

Brainstorming

First step in writing comparison/contrast essay Important to find things with enough differences & similarities to be able to effectively compare/contrast them Make list of similarities & differences between the two subjects, then choose most important ones to use in essay

Block Method

Also known as subject-by-subject method You consider all your points of comparison/contrast for one subject in the first 2 or 3 body paragraphs, then discuss the same main points for 2nd subject in remaining body paragraphs Pay special attention to transitions when using this Ex: Introduction + thesis statement Body paragraph 1: Job opportunities in Paris Body paragraph 2: Average income in Paris Body paragraph 3: Living expenses in Paris Body paragraph 4: Job opportunities in Tokyo Body paragraph 5: Average income in Tokyo Body paragraph 6: Living expenses in Tokyo Conclusion

Contrast Words/Phrases

Alternatively, in contrast, one difference/another difference, conversely, whereas, nevertheless, unlike, on the other hand, despite, however, while

Comparison Words/Phrases

Both, similarly, likewise, one similarity/another similarity, in comparison, like, similar to, in the same way, also, compared to, in a similar fashion

Tips for Deciding on a Topic

Common themes are events, situations, people, & places For beginners, choose 2 things that are in the same overarching category (foods, animals, locations, people, events, etc.) but differ in some significant ways so it's easier to see similarities/differences Consider "so what" question; be able to explain to reader why it's useful that they understand similarities or differences between the two topics

Prewriting

Draft working thesis statement, figure out how to organize information, & create outline As you narrow your focus, determine which points of comparison/contrast are most important Creating outline will help you plan how to organize body paragraphs & which details you want to include in each

Point-By-Point Method

1 method of paragraph development & organization; also known as alternating format method When using this, you're choosing one point of comparison & then writing one paragraph about each of your subjects that shows how they're similar or different Ex: Introduction + thesis statement Body paragraph 1: Job opportunities in Paris Body paragraph 2: Job opportunities in Tokyo Body paragraph 3: Average income in Paris Body paragraph 4: Average income in Tokyo Body paragraph 5: Living expenses in Paris Body paragraph 6: Living expenses in Tokyo Conclusion

Methods of Organization

Point-by-point method & block method Strategy chosen depends on audience & purpose & should align with thesis statement; should consider your approach to subjects & nature of subjects themselves

Drafting a Thesis Statement

Should convey main points of essay & avoid being overly generic; should provide more information on which points of comparison/contrast will be discussed in essay Contrast essay thesis example: (subject) & (subject) may appear similar, but they differ in (first), (second), & (third) Comparison essay thesis example: (subject) & (subject) do not appear to have a lot in common, but they are very similar in (first), (second), & (third)